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Monday, January 17, 2011

Post-Binge Weigh In; Seeking Training Advice

I gained 2.2 lbs this week from the binge, bringing me back up to 204.8. I told myself that I would be good with anything under 207, since that would keep me at 10 lbs lost. But then I realized how stupid it was to be "ok" with gaining any amount of weight through my own fault. I mean, I guess it would be different if I'd known that I'd done everything right this week. The scale can go wonky on anyone occasionally. But I think my scale knew just what it was talking about. Oh well, no matter. I'm not going to sabotage myself anymore, and I do think that's exactly what happened. I used all the stresses last week as an excuse. And also...those foods are addictive. I believe that. One giant muffin just spikes your blood sugar and makes you hungrier and hungrier. Its a vicious cycle that I let myself become caught up in even though I know what my trigger foods are. Cakes, muffins, cookies---baked goods in general---I cannot practice moderation with, not yet. Maybe not ever. Who knows?

I'm still feeling the after effects of my food hangover, BUT I did manage to go on a GREAT run yesterday with Heather. There were 4 blissful miles of feeling strong and back in control. My easy pace is just so much faster than it used to be, and during the second mile I literally felt like I was flying. We did the second mile in 10 minutes!! This was a really easy, chatty run and we stopped and walked a few times and even so managed to maintain a 12 minute average pace. That used to be the pace at which I would do speed training! And now its nothing for me to run a mile in 11 minutes.

I've been feeling it coming on for a while now, and I'm definitely ready to start training for something again. The only problem is, there is nothing within 100 miles to train for in the next few months. We are having a 10k here at the end of April which I plan on doing, and I've looked at some 10k training plans. The problem is, they are only 8 weeks long, which gives me about a month before I can start one. This is the only race there is to train for. I have searched Active very thoroughly because I really wanted a half marathon, but this is it. So, my question is -- what do I do in the meantime? Can I stretch this thing out over 12 weeks? Should I just start it early and...but then what would I do for the last month? I mean, honestly, I don't even need a training plan for a 10k just to be able to complete it. I'm confident that I could go run one right now. But I'm not doing so well right now with getting out the door, and I am just craving the structure of a training plan, any training plan! But I don't want to train for a nonexistent race, I want a goal. I'm feeling pretty frustrated right now with my lack of race options. I'm ready to DO SOMETHING!! So...any advice? Does anyone else ever have this problem with lack of races? Or do I just live in the most remote spot on Earth?

9 comments:

Luckily there are plenty of races around here so I have not had that problem. It is bad for a racing addict like me, though :) My wallet is much, much lighter :) As far as the training plan goes, have you tried Smart Coach on the Runner's World site? You can choose the length of your plan and whether you want an easy, medium or hard plan. I love it because it gives the pace you should be running your "easy", "tempo" and "speed" runs at. Check it out...

I am the same way with sweets, they open up pandora's box and my cravings get nutty. If you start your plan early, can you just work on your time for the last month? I realize that is kind of boring, but...it sucks being in remote areas! Been there! Keep your head up, and keep looking...

I have a major sweet tooth. My hubby and I both have to eat something sweet after each meal. I have started buying the weight watchers desserts and having 1 after each meal. it satisfies my craving and is usually still under 100 calories. try active.com's website. you can type in your zip and search for local races. my hubby built up his milage to a half marathon and then has stayed around that milage for his long runs on the weekend. i on the other hand couldn't/didn't do that, so i am starting all over again. good luck at finding races!